Global monthly highlights: February 2014

February 2014

Global Economic Crime Survey 2014
It comes as no surprise that economic crime — such as fraud, IP infringement, corruption, cybercrime, or accounting fraud — continues to be a major concern for organisations of all sizes, across all regions and in virtually every sector. You can explore a rich trove of data, trends and analysis of economic crime uncovered by our 2014 Global Economic Crime Survey – and find out more about how it may be affecting you so you can address the issue from both a preventive and strategic perspective.

Achieving Total Retail. Consumer expectations driving the next retail business model
The results of our new Total Retail global survey couldn’t be clearer: there’s a high bar for retailers wanting to provide customers with a “total retail” experience. This survey of 15,000 online users across 15 countries reveals that global consumers now expect 24/7 retailer availability, real-time insight into the retailer’s stock, compelling in-store technology, and consistent prices and offerings across all the retailer’s assets. Find out more about these customer expectations along with the business model changes that retailers can adapt to meet the evolving needs of the customer.

17th Annual Global CEO Survey – CEO perspectives on the changing role of business
A noticeable percentage of CEOs think that the level of trust across a number of stakeholder groups has improved over the past five years. However, the fundamental forces that CEOs think will impact their business the most over the next five years are reshaping society and its expectations of business. There will certainly be positive changes, but issues such as unemployment and resource shortages could be significantly heightened. Business is increasingly expected to engage with such issues, and those that come up with innovative solutions to serious social issues will earn more trust – and more revenues.

ESCAPE index: Mapping how markets emerge
PwC’s new ESCAPE index measures how 42 of the largest economies in the world have performed since 2000 on a broad range of economic, social, political, technological and environmental indicators, providing a holistic measure of a country’s performance and progress over time. Find out how shifts in global economic power mean some countries previously regarded as emerging markets are escaping, or are close to escaping, from the middle-income trap and graduating to become full members of the advanced economy club.

Moving On: Global retirement benefits in a post-defined benefits world
The death of defined benefit (DB) pension arrangements has become a global phenomenon with employers grappling with what to replace it with, according to our new report. We surveyed 114 Fortune 500 global multinationals, and found that only 6% wish to perpetuate DB arrangements. Nine in ten are actively deploying defined contribution (DC) as their predominant workplace retirement provision. Find out more about what major multinationals are thinking and the actions that employers are contemplating in our new global pensions survey.

Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2014
Our 11th annual joint study with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) provides an outlook on real estate investment and development trends throughout Europe. And the outlook this year is a positive one. Our survey finds that the industry is generally feeling much more optimistic with real estate leaders across Europe expecting business will be better in 2014. Equity to invest seems plentiful and is forecast to continue to grow, debt is also more easily available and European banks are lending again. But there’s a limited supply of prime properties, so the battle for these assets is fierce. Find out more and explore the data using our interactive online tools.